Just over two months after an accident destroyed much of Baci Cafe & Wine Bar in Healdsburg, more than 100 people waited eagerly outside for its July 29 reopening and open house. By the end of the day, nearly 500 had come through, raising a glass to what owner Lisbeth Holmefjord has lightly called a “refresh” — one that involved more than half a million dollars in repairs.
With all-new furniture, flooring and paint, along with a new front entrance and other upgrades, Holmefjord and her husband, chef Shari Sarabi, have given the 16-year-old restaurant considerably more than a facelift. But for all the newness, Baci still looks and feels like Baci, with its familiar colors, style and charm. And it came together far faster than anyone expected.
After the Memorial Day weekend crash that sent an SUV more than 40 feet into the restaurant, the couple posted on social media that Baci would be closed until further notice. They expected repairs might take months.
The rebuilding also triggered required accessibility upgrades under current building codes, including changes to the entrance, bathrooms and back-of-house areas, adding another layer to the challenge of reopening…